It was a disappointing year for three-time world champion Mick Fanning who could only finish as runner-up to Adriano de Souza in the World Surfing Championship. His year was newsworthy though because of a shark attack during competition in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. He returned to the surf after just six days to continue his challenge for the world title. Fanning was attacked by the shark during the J-Bay Open World Surf League event in South Africa in August. Dramatic TV footage showed the shark knocking Fanning off his board and breaking his leg rope. Fanning punched back at the shark and managed to escape.